MARTIN O’NEILL applauded the performance of James McClean after his heroics handed Republic of Ireland a historic 1-0 win over Austria.

McClean was a major doubt for Ireland’s World Cup qualifier because of an injury he picked up last weekend.

But the midfielder shrugged off the knock to score a crucial goal in keeping Ireland’s hopes of reaching the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

And O’Neill reserved special praise for the 28-year-old for showing his resilience and attitude to representing his country.

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James McClean scored his third in two World Cup qualifiers

"McClean was brilliant tonight, he scored a great, great goal," said O'Neill.

"If the game had been on Tuesday he couldn't have played but that speaks volumes for him, the medical staff got him back on the field and I'm delighted for everyone.

"He's got a great old attitude. When I first worked with James, I saw someone who had a great desire. At the ripe old age of 28, he's improving.

"He loves playing for us which is very important. He's as proud as anything now. The very fact is, I know I've said he wouldn't have been fit for Tuesday. Knowing McClean he would have tried to declare himself fit. He's been excellent for us and he's really proven his worth."

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Jonathan Walters missed a great chance in the first half to put Ireland ahead

McClean's 48th-minute strike settled a hard-fought game in which Ireland were forced on to the back foot for long periods, but hit their hosts ruthlessly on the break to silence the locals at the Ernst Happel Stadium.

The win leaves the Republic with 10 points of a possible 12 from their opening four qualifiers and firmly in the Group D mix ahead of their showdown with Wales in Dublin in March next year, a game which key man Robbie Brady will miss through suspension.

Victory in Vienna brought down the curtain on a successful 2016 for manager Martin O'Neill and his players, and they will re-assemble next year confident that they are continuing to grow as a team, albeit one which still requires further polishing.